Sector revenue rose sharply in September 2015 (up 14% on August). The month on month rise in September was evident across all member groups, peaking among rural branches. The 2014 Index confirms that Quarter 3 accounted for the highest percentage of members’ revenue in 2014. September and October were the highest grossing months last year. Quarter 3 was consistently the highest grossing period for members – particularly for branches with less than 10 employees. The Index presentation of overall monthly revenues confirms that September and October were the months where revenue most exceeded the 2014 monthly average. December, January and February were the weakest months in 2014 for revenue. The top grossing revenue months in 2014 exhibit greater variation when reviewed by size of branch/no. employees.

In an attempt to encourage participation and a speedier turnaround of results, we are now collecting results quarterly instead of monthly. Absolute confidentiality is guaranteed in this process and the results are treated in the strictest confidence and only reported in summary anonymised form as you can see in the infographic. The next collection of results will be at the beginning of January 2016 when we will have collected results for a full 12 months.

How to get involved

If you agree to participate, you will receive an email from B&A, our research partner, asking for several pieces of information that will form the benchmark:

Number of employees;

Location of business;

What type of area your business operates in, i.e. to get an urban/rural split;

Annual sales turnover (less VAT) for your business for 2015 broken down by month;

Sales turnover per month for 2016.

Once this benchmark is complete you will only be asked for one piece of information each quarter thereafter, sales turnover per month for the quarter. Once collated the results will be shared with you as soon as possible.